'THE END' IS ON THE HORIZON. To those who have decided to peripherally monitor this train to see of it goes off the rails, I feel obligated to inform you that I am not a same time every day writer. It comes when it comes and the schedule allows. I would love to be a same time every day AM writer. Alas, there are days when I am a PM writer, and even late night writer. (In fact, that is most days) Happy Scribing. Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/248683210646192696/

May 2-4 / Days 183-185 / 1561 Words

I remember debating a while back whether or not I should wait until the Fall to publish Book 3. October 13th to be exact, because both Books 1 and 2 were published on that date at smashwords. Being a fan of symmetry, I was strongly considering it. However, it may turn out to be a moot point. Why? I don’t anticipate the final draft of Book 3 being done until sometime in August. Previously, I said July, but it is looking like it will be August.

Two months is a good amount of time for a preorder, I think. Besides that, I plan on a full re-edit of Books 1 and 2, and want to have those up before release. That will take up a good chunk of the time between completion of Book 3 and it going live. Even if I do not have the re-edits done by the 13th of October, I am still moving forward with the release of the third book.

Why the re-edits? Between Books 1 and 2, I think my writing improved. I believe the same has happened since Book 2 was published last year. It may not have shot up the scale or anything, but if I was a 5 on a writing scale of 1-10 when Book 2 was published, I feel I am a 5.5 now. I would like to take that extra half point and apply it to the previous manuscripts. So, there you go, my upcoming independent author’s publishing saga. To be continued…

As for the actual writing of Book 3, you know I am near the end. Well, you know if you have been following along for a little while. If reading these words represents your first visit here, then let me just say welcome to the Irony 3 or Bust Novel Train. I am super psyched and amped that you were able to stop by. Oh, and you guys who have been on the Train for a while, don’t get it twisted, I am super fantastically psyched and amped that you guys are here. Still, I’d like to say one more thing to any newcomers, and that is--

“Run. Run now. Run slow, run fast, run high, or run low, but for the sake of your sanity, run. I’m not kidding. This guy is fifty cents short of a half-dollar and you don’t want it rubbing off on yo--”

Sorry about that. Veteran train riders are used to it by now, but I apologize to you first time clickers. That was Red Guy. (Week 17 Days 113 &114) He lives in the corner of my mind and sometimes gets edgy. And while he usually plays a significant part in these Irony 3 or Bust Novel Train updates, he is not always stable. I, on the other hand, am a model of sane stability. Nope, nothing at all crazy to see here. With that, commencing the start of writing week 27 on the rails, I say happy writing. Feel free to see Contact page for calendar blurbs and Home page progress meter for count and mood.

May 5-7 / Days 186 –188 / 1577 Words

Not going to happen.“No fair. The people have a right to know.”This is an update about a book, remember? Besides, I think it was a joke anyway. You know, just for kicks.“A joke? Uh-huh, I know what is going on here. You are jealous.”Pffft. Of what? You?“Pfft, nothing. And yes, of me. You are jealous that I, a supposed imaginary character, received fan mail. And you, the supposed real writer of the blog, got nada, nothing, zippo.”There is not even an ounce of truth in that statement. And, like I said, I believe it to be a goof.“Fine, then why don’t you let the readers decide?"I see no reason to subject faithful followers of this blog to infantile dribble.“First, faithful followers and this blog should not be mentioned in the same sentence. Second, the total sum of what you just said is equal to extreme burning envy.”Says you.“Says everyone who can see through your steaming stench-pile of verbal bull--”

Alright, okay, if you want me to post it here and have you look like a fool, who am I to stop you? Oh, and by the way, watch your mouth, Irony 3 may not be a family friendly book, per se, but this blog is.“Sorry.”Okay, folks, here it is; for some reason that escapes me, other than a total goof that is, Red guy received a fan mail via the Contact page on this site.“You bet you’re a—I mean, yes, I did.”As you can see, he is anxious to have the contents known to you. I guess to validate his fictional existence.“Or invalidate yours.”If you don’t shut up, I can’t post it. Okay, then. Alright guys, here is what the mail said:

Dear Red Guy, I love you. You are more real to me than the person who keeps calling you a fake. You are right to stand up for yourself. Don’t let him shove you in a corner whenever he wants. He says he created you, but I think it is you who made him. Take care of yourself, and I hope one day we can meet and watch Star Trek together.

Forever yours, Tammy.

“Booyah! Keep a plate warm for me, Tammy, baby. Daddy will be home soon with a full DVD set of episodes.”Folks, I’m done. And Tammy? Get help.“Um, you shouldn’t say that.”She is writing to an imaginary character and wants to meet and watch Star Trek episodes with him. What do you think I should say?“The readers get it, I’m sure, and Tammy certainly does. But you, as usual, are slow on the uptake.”And I suppose you are going to explain it to me, right?“Why not. It’s the least I can do. First off, Tammy is a potential customer. You are an author, remember? Trying to sell books?”Darnit, you’re right. Sorry, Tammy. I think you’re tops. I’ll send you a free copy when I’m done to make up for what I said. Hope that is okay.“I’ll help you out there, partner. Tammy? Give him a break. He under stress trying to finish his book.”

You said it. At the moment, I am torn between artistic vision VS reader closure for my ending. It was supposed to be the end of Book 2 before I changed it. It wasn’t supposed to be the end of Book 3 either, but the premise has reared its ugly head again. And while I think it goes perfectly with the tone of the Irony series of books as a whole, I believe it runs the risk, if I end on the note I am considering, of souring the reader’s palate. Because, truthfully, I don’t know if there will be a Book 4.

“There you go. You see, Tammy? The poor sap is confused. You should give him a break.”What’s the second off, so we can wrap this up.“What?”You said first off. I am assuming there is a second.“Oh, right. Second off, if Tammy knows I am imaginary, and that I reside in the corner of your mind, then who do you really think she wants to meet and watch Star Trek episodes with?”What? No. No way. Her email was addressed to … to …“Exactly. Now you are updated on the uptake, Cochise.”But … Wait … I don’t think …“Of course, since I am the part of you she wants to meet, that still makes you a jealous wannabe. But, hey, better a second fiddle wannabe than a never wanted at all.”That’s it. You’re crazy. Tammy’s crazy. This whole thing is crazy--“And you?”*Sigh* {hangs head} Nutty as an acorn tree.

“Folks, if that doesn’t wrap this loony puppy up, it will never be wrapped. Robert is in chapter 36, still chugging along toward the end. Will he solve his artistic vision problems? Will his Mc get out of the hairy situation he’s in now? Will the end EVER come? There’s only one way to find out. Keep riding the rails of the Irony 3 or Bust Novel Train with us. In the meantime, feel free to see Contact page for calendar blurbs and Home page progress meter for count and mood. And Tammy, honey? Poppa’s coming home with his brand new bag of Star Trek episodes."

May 8 – Day 189 – 508 WordsEnd of another writing week riding the rails of the Irony 3 or Bust Novel Train. I just would like to say Happy Mother’s day to you all. From this day forward, may those things which bring you joy overcome that which grieves you.For this week’s week end Jam, I give you the Intruders’ I’ll Always Love My Momma, courtesy of Soooooooouuuuul Traaaain. Happy Mother’s day you guys. Be blessed.